Album Review: Paul Dempsey - Strange Loop

And so another chapter is written. One of Australia's most respected and intimidatingly talented songwriters of the 21st century returns with his second solo record, and it's captivating.

Since the release of Elsewhere For 8 Minutes, Something For Kate's 1997 debut album, Paul Dempsey has inspired countless imitators, none of whom have been able to combine his complex lyrics with his soaring vocals. Strange Loop, while centred on Dempsey's folksier persona compared to his sometimes violent frontman status with SFK, is exhibit A.

Dempsey worked alongside with engineer/producer Tom Schick (Ryan Adams, many more) in creating Strange Loop, playing with instruments, amps and the various tools and toys left behind by Wilco in their Chicago recording studio, The Loft, as they went on tour. 

Of course, nothing can take away from Dempsey's vocals. While most of us could only dream of writing a line like "So we sit and stare/at the floating hands/of the geniuses floating past us everywhere" (Idiot Oracle), it barely rates a mention on Strange Loop, such is the beauty that resides elsewhere on the record. Paired with his raw, emotive voice, it is a weapon sure to strike at the heart of any listener.

While Something For Kate are at their best when they're climaxing in a cacophony of noise, Strange Loop proves that when armed with an acoustic guitar, Dempsey can be as powerful as any electrified SFK moment. Single Morningless, with its brutal baritone saxophone, is an exception, but — in true Dempsey fashion — it's delivered with heat and precision too.